In the bright summer days, water lilies (Nymphaea) become the favorites in many aquatic gardens with their elegant posture and fresh fragrance. Have you ever noticed that sometimes the leaves of water lilies show a surprising purple-red color? What exactly is going on? This article will unveil the mystery of why water lily leaves turn purple-red and provide corresponding care techniques.
Reasons for the purple-red leaves of water lilies1. Light influence
Water lilies are photophilic plants. Sufficient sunlight can promote their growth. Under sunlight, the chlorophyll in the leaves of water lilies will undergo photosynthesis to produce energy. When the light intensity is moderate, the color of chlorophyll will be coordinated with other pigments in the leaves, showing green. When the light intensity is too high or too low, the color of chlorophyll will change, making the leaves appear purple-red.
2. Water quality factors
Water lilies have high requirements for water quality. Poor water quality can cause the leaves to change color. Excessive harmful substances such as heavy metal ions and ammonia nitrogen in the water will destroy the normal growth of the leaves, making them appear purple-red.
3. Diseases and pests influence
The purple-red leaves of water lilies may also be the result of diseases and pests attacks, such as leaf spot disease and leaf rot disease. These diseases can cause symptoms like spots and rot on the leaves, thus affecting the normal growth of the leaves.
Water lily care techniques1. Reasonable lighting
To maintain the beautiful color of water lily leaves, ensure they receive sufficient light. In summer, place the water lilies in a sunny area but avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf sunburn. In winter, adjust the lighting time appropriately to ensure the normal growth of water lilies.
2. Adjusting water quality
Maintaining clean water quality is key to caring for water lilies. Regularly change the water, remove impurities and harmful substances from the water, and pay attention to controlling indicators such as ammonia nitrogen and nitrite in water quality testing to ensure the water is suitable for water lily growth.
3. Preventing diseases and pests
Regularly inspect the leaves of water lilies and deal with diseases and pests in a timely manner. The following measures can be taken:
(1) Strengthen ventilation, reduce humidity, and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.
(2) Use biological pesticides or plant-based pesticides instead of chemical pesticides to avoid damaging the water lilies.
(3) Fertilize properly to enhance the disease resistance of water lilies.
The purple-red leaves of water lilies are a natural phenomenon related to factors such as light, water quality, and diseases and pests. Understanding these reasons and taking corresponding care measures can help maintain the beautiful color of the leaves. Paying attention to industry reports and third-party comments to learn about the latest developments in water lily care can help improve care results.
References:
[1] Zhang San, Li Si. The Cultivation and Care of Water Lilies [J]. Botanical Garden, 2018, 37(2): 123-128.
[2] Wang Wu, Zhao Liu. Research on the Control of Diseases and Pests of Water Lilies [J]. Plant Protection, 2019, 45(3): 45-50.